The Rockets are hiring Lionel Hollins, Mike Batiste, and Mahmoud Abdelfattah as assistant coaches for the 2022-23 staff of Stephen Silas, as first reported by Mark Berman of Fox 26 Houston. They will replace Jeff Hornacek, Will Weaver, and DeSagana Diop, who had worked alongside Silas over his first two seasons in Houston.
The interest in Hollins and Abdelfattah was previously reported. Hollins, a former NBA head coach and experienced assistant, brings the type of defensive pedigree that was crucial to the Rockets in this search. Meanwhile, Abdelfattah is moving up after a very successful stint leading Houston’s NBA G League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Vipers. RGV won the G League championship last season.
As for Batiste, a former NBA player and EuroLeague star, he has worked as an assistant with Brooklyn (2016-17), Charlotte (2017-18), Orlando (2018-21), and Washington (2021-22) over the last six seasons.
Hollins, Batiste, and Abdelfattah will join John Lucas and Rick Higgins as Silas’ five-man staff of top assistants for the 2022-23 season. Higgins is reportedly serving as head coach for summer league play.
NBA source: The Rockets are adding Lionel Hollins, Mike Batiste and Mahmoud Abdelfattah to Stephen Silas’ staff.
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) July 4, 2022
